BREAKING: Devin Neal Returning for Senior Season
The much-awaited news for fans of the Kansas Jayhawks finally appears to have come. According to a report by Pete Thamel of ESPN, junior running back Devin Neal has informed the coaching staff that he intends to return next year for his final year of eligibility.
Earlier this month, Neal announced that he would not be entering the transfer portal. But that announcement only stated that he wouldn't be leaving the Jayhawks to go play at another school. There was no clear indication on his intentions surrounding the NFL. Sources indicate that Neal and his family were still undecided as recently as Sunday.
His return is a huge boost for the Jayhawks, as the 2nd-team All Big 12 running back was an integral part of the offense this season. In 12 regular-season games, he has 1,209 yards on 183 carries (6.6 yard average) with 15 touchdowns. He also averages 8.9 yards per catch, with 214 yards and a touchdown just 24 receptions.
With quarterback Jalon Daniels coming back next season and coming off a back injury that sidelined him for most of the year, there is plenty of reason for optimism for the Jayhawks. Neal has an opportunity to expand his role in the passing game to prepare for the NFL as well. Plus, the addition of Jeff Grimes should lead to some new schemes and fresh ideas.
The news dropped during pre-game for the Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix, AZ. Neal and the Jayhawks are facing the UNLV Rebels and looking for their first 9-win season since the 2007-08 Orange Bowl season.
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